Charlotte Miller shares her journey and what it is like to be a trustee at Catalyst Support
Charlotte says: When I joined Catalyst Support as a trustee, I was inspired by the organisation’s belief that wellness is a right for everyone, a principle that sits at the very heart of its mission to support people’s mental, physical and emotional health needs.
Having spent over twenty years in the NHS as a music therapist and as Director of Intergenerational Music Making and Intergenerational England, I’ve seen how isolation, trauma and inequality can fracture lives and communities. Catalyst’s commitment to supporting wellness together through compassion, collaboration, and courage spoke deeply to my own values and professional experience. It felt a natural step to contribute to an organisation that has, for over 35 years, stood at the centre of Surrey’s community care connecting people, shaping systems and transforming lives through trust and hope.
What inspired you to apply for the role of a trustee?
I was inspired by Catalyst’s vision of Supporting Wellness Together and its belief that wellness is a right for everyone. The charity’s trauma-informed, person-led ethos and its commitment to transforming lives through accessible, compassionate, and place-based care deeply resonated with my own work in intergenerational health.
What struck me most was Catalyst’s understanding that wellbeing extends far beyond clinical care, it’s about trust, inclusion and connection. The charity’s work across Surrey reflects exactly that: empowering people to take control of their health, building bridges between services, and creating spaces where individuals and communities can truly thrive. I wanted to bring my experience from creative health, integrated care systems, intergenerational solidarity and policy work to a board that not only delivers high-quality support but also drives systemic change anchored in kindness, integrity and collaboration.
Is being a trustee what you expected and how is it different?
I anticipated contributing at a strategic level shaping priorities, reviewing performance and supporting the executive team but I hadn’t expected the depth of connection that would come with the role. Being a trustee at Catalyst is not a ceremonial position, it is an active, collaborative partnership rooted in shared purpose. Catalyst’s governance culture is both rigorous and compassionate, combining strategic discipline with humanity and integrity. It is forward-looking, inclusive, and driven by values that guide every decision. I’ve learned that good governance is about care: asking the right questions, championing equity and ensuring that the people and communities we serve remain at the heart of every strategic discussion.
Were you familiar with Catalyst Support before joining, and what have you learned since?
I knew of Catalyst’s reputation as one of Surrey’s most established mental health charities, but reading the annual report and witnessing the day-to-day impact has deepened my understanding enormously. Catalyst is a connector, a bridge between systems and people. I’ve learned about the extraordinary breadth of work: from Safe Havens preventing A&E attendances to the Shifa Network empowering women, to counselling, cuckooing support, community gardens and lived experience leadership. Each strand reflects a commitment to equity, innovation, and humanity. I’ve also seen how Catalyst’s partnerships with the NHS, local authorities, and the VCSE Alliance position it as a key system leader shaping the future of integrated, preventative care in Surrey.
What is your role as part of the trustee team?
As a trustee, I contribute to the strategic direction and governance of Catalyst Support, ensuring that our decisions remain aligned with the charity’s mission, values, and long-term sustainability. My focus is on bridging practice and policy, translating insights from frontline community work into strategic frameworks that can influence system design and integrated care across Surrey, identifying opportunities for innovation, partnership growth, and organisational resilience. I bring a perspective grounded in creative health, integration, and community wellbeing helping to position Catalyst within wider health, care, and cultural systems. Working alongside fellow trustees from diverse sectors is both inspiring and purposeful.
What is your favourite part about being a trustee?
My favourite part is the people, both within Catalyst and those it serves. Every board discussion, report and story of impact is a reminder of why this work matters. There’s a real sense of integrity, optimism and shared purpose that runs through the organisation, from staff and volunteers to the individuals and communities whose lives are transformed through Catalyst’s support. Being part of Catalyst’s 35-year legacy feels like joining a movement that truly celebrates connection and inclusion. The trustee meetings themselves are thoughtful, engaging, and full of energy reflecting the same compassion, collaboration and curiosity that define Catalyst’s work across Surrey.
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